What is the meaning of 1 Kings 11:14? Then Solomon’s story has reached a tipping point. Earlier in the chapter the king’s heart drifted after foreign wives and their gods (1 Kings 11:1-10). God had already announced judgment (11:11-13), so this word “Then” places us in the very moment when divine warning turns into visible consequence. In Scripture, change often pivots on a single word—compare the abrupt shift in 2 Samuel 12:15 (“Then Nathan went home”) after David’s sin. the LORD The action is initiated by the covenant God of Israel, not by random political forces. He is the same LORD who promised blessing for obedience (1 Kings 9:4-5) and discipline for disobedience (9:6-9). Throughout Scripture He actively governs nations—see Psalm 22:28; Isaiah 40:23. raised up This phrase underscores God’s sovereignty: He can lift a humble shepherd to kingship (1 Samuel 16:13) or raise an enemy to correct a wayward ruler (Judges 2:14; Habakkuk 1:6). Nothing in Solomon’s military planning could block what God Himself “raised up.” against Solomon The adversary is personal. Solomon’s earlier years were marked by “rest on every side” (1 Kings 5:4); now the peace is removed. God had warned that turning from Him would bring trouble (Deuteronomy 28:25). The target is the king who led the nation into compromise (1 Kings 11:6). an adversary “Adversary” signals sustained hostility, not a momentary skirmish. Two more foes will follow (1 Kings 11:23, 26), forming a pattern of pressure. Compare how God allowed “a thorn in the flesh” for Paul (2 Corinthians 12:7) to keep him dependent—here, adversaries expose Solomon’s spiritual decline. Hadad the Edomite Hadad’s lineage traces back to Esau (Genesis 36:1). David had subdued Edom (2 Samuel 8:13-14), and Joab killed many of its males. Hadad, having escaped as a child to Egypt (1 Kings 11:17), had years to nurture resentment. Now he returns, empowered by divine purpose rather than mere personal vendetta. from the royal line of Edom Hadad isn’t a random rebel; he carries royal blood, giving him credibility among Edomites. Edom’s ancient prophecy foretold eventual unrest: “Edom will become a possession, but Israel will do valiantly” (Numbers 24:18). By Solomon’s day the tables begin to turn, foreshadowing later Edomite uprisings (2 Kings 8:20-22). summary • God Himself acted at a specific moment (“Then”) to discipline Solomon. • The covenant LORD directs history—He “raised up” what human power cannot suppress. • The adversary was targeted “against Solomon,” directly addressing the king’s unfaithfulness. • Hadad, a royal Edomite, fulfilled ancient tensions between Israel and Edom, illustrating that unresolved sin invites persistent opposition. Obedience brings peace; disobedience opens the door to divinely sent adversaries. |
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